Niagara-Wheatfield Community Education opens Feb. 9

Program includes online and in-person offerings

By Cindy Travers

Community Education Coordinator

Niagara-Wheatfield School District

The concept of schools as the center of community life goes back a century in the United States. Progressive educators of the time, including John Dewey, Jane Addams and urban planner Clarence Perry first envisioned the model of schools that serve as the center of neighborhood social life and the agent of neighborhood-based social services, while also educating children.

In response to the social disruption of American life with the coming of the industrial age, community-based education provided a source of creating both social cohesion and improving the lives of community residents. The “lighted schoolhouses” of Flint, Michigan, provided the next evolution of community education in the 1930s. Under the name “community education,” these programs were developed to serve children and working parents in the evenings. This became a model throughout the country.

The principles taught in community education training are still in use today. The need for community education as a resource and center of community life and learning is a necessary component in today’s world.

Niagara Wheatfield Central School District continues to be a proud supporter of community education.

Our fall 2021 community education session was well received, and we are excited for new beginnings! Spring 2022 classes range from in-person to online classes. While some classes require a fee, there are quite a few free offerings.

Th Niagara Wheatfield Central School District Community Education spring 2022 program opens Feb. 9 and continues through June 3. There are offerings in health and fitness (body, mind and spirit), music, arts and crafts, trips and tours, certifications and training, open discussion: enrichment, innovation and fitness. Courses are available both online and in person. A selection of featured classes taking place this semester include:

√ “The Fun Defensive Driving Course,” on March 19.

√ “One-on-One Computer Training,” on April 6.

√ “Conflict Resolution Skills Workshop,” an online class on March 16.

√ “Crocheting – From Beginners to Masters,” on March 21.

√ “EPIC Parent Workshop – Balancing Work and Family Life,” on March 22.

√ “Introduction to Meditation,” on May 3.

√ “Revealing Ties of the Past,” on April 7.

√ “Creating an Amazon, Kindle, and Audible Empire – You’re 10 Steps From Creating Perpetual Success! (Passive-Evergreen Side Hustle Income)” – an online self-paced course, from Feb. 9 to June 3.

√ “Adult Dance,” on Feb. 17.

√ “The Elephant in the Room: Open Dialogue,” on March 8.

It’s time for new beginnings! I want to thank all the amazing instructors who share their time and talents with not only our community but our global community as well.

Please view and register utilizing our online catalog at https://nwcsd.coursestorm.com/; “Like,” share and follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NWCSDCommEd/.

Please contact the office at 716-215-3034 with any questions, concerns or help with registration. Registrants can pay online by card or mail in a check to Niagara Wheatfield CSD Community Education, PO Box 309, Sanborn, NY 14132.

We ask that all participants register. Whether you choose to join us in-person or remotely, our philosophy is that everyone who participates in Niagara Wheatfield Central School District Community Education classes should learn, feel welcome and have fun!